West Virginia Democrat. [volume] (Charles Town, W. Va.) 1885-1890, 1887-05-27
RECOGNITION OF MANHOOD.

NGSO6ANAA ASAN ~ AsANhANAAOSNs
For some time past careful obser-
vers have noticed a strong under cur
rent of opinion that the people, in
their own defense, should rally
around those few of our public men
who are not timid, trucking, time
serving politicians. This under cur
rent of opinion was exhibited in this
town on last Friday evening. Col.
Chew had come home from the Leg
islature Onits adjournment ne had
gone direct from Charleston to Chica-
GO, and this delayed his return for
several days. There seemed q we'll
nigh universal desire to give some
public expression to determination
among the rank and file to stand by
and encourage q manly man who
does not try to win votes by betray-
ING his constituents. The contrast
between Chew and a cringing politi
clan is too great TO escape notice.
And hence it came about, that there
was a general movement to make
public proclamation that the people
of this community wore resolved to
stand by men like Chew because
they stand by the people in moments
of emergency. Thus it happened,
that on last Friday evening between
three and four hundred of our citi-
zens assembled on the streets and,
proceeded by q band of music,
marched in a body to Col. Chew's
residence. Mr. Trapnell was select
ed to give expression to the motives
prompting a gathering together of
the people so unexpected and so en-
tirely without precedent. Weprint,
in as few words as possible, the sub
stance of what Mr.. Trapnell said and
ofthe reply made by Col. Chew. Mr..
Trapnell said:
That he had been requested by
this meeting of the citizens of
Charlestown to act as their mouth
piece for the occasion, and to eX
press to Colonel Chew their hearty
approval and endorsement of his
conduct in the Legislature as their
representative, and, to further say,
that the object of the demonstration
was to publish to the world that this
community had resolved that, when
a public officer stood forward and
did his duty in behalf of the people
in their struggle with combined cor
porate influence and corrupt meth
DDS in politics, he would receive
their support, their encouragement
and their thanks. And more than
this, the demonstration then made
was intended to show that the De-
mocraey here was in full accord with
what their representatives in the
I l. hol 1nno
Colonel Chew then came forward
and said;
That a demonstration of this
character by his neighbors was in
initely more grateful to him than
any political honor because it was
evidence that those among whom he
lived believed that he had done
right as their agent and had per-
formed his duty as their representa-
tive. He did not know how others
felti in these matters, but, for himself,
next to a consciousness of having
done right, there could not be n
greater satisfaction than to receive
an assurance that his conduct was
endorsed by the people who had Sc
lected him TO serve them. This man
Hesitation of approval was, to him,
more valuable and more welcome
than any political office or any mill.
tary honor, because to feel that he
had the confidence and the good will
of those among whom he lived was
dearer to him than all else in this
world except the happiness of the
wife and children who shared the
fortunes Of his home.
Colonel Chew then gave an ac-
count of what was done at Charles
ton during the extra session. He
explained how and why it was diff
cult to accomplish purely public leg
that was opposed by influ-